Course Description
Gravitec’s Competent Wind Turbine Climber and Rescue Refresher Course takes a hands-on approach to keeping wind turbine climbers focused on their safety while working at height. Re-emphasizing the use of a planned approach to working at height, this course begins with a discussion about the changes to the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code. It also introduces the latest fall protection tools and fall protection methods utilized to protect workers from the various fall hazards encountered at job sites with an overview of commercially available fall arrest systems. The function of each piece of equipment is discussed followed by extensive hands-on exercises for a complete fall protection learning experience. During the rescue portion of the course, students learn how to use several of the industry’s most common rescue devices to include, but not limited to, Tractel's Derope, block and tackle systems and Gravitec’s G4 Wind Turbine Rescue & Evacuation System. Students will have the opportunity to practice their rescue skills with each rescue system in a controlled environment. Their skills are confirmed with several problem-solving scenarios created by the instructor. These exercises are designed to simulate real-world rescue events. Upon completion of the course, students will have the skills necessary to perform a rescue anywhere on a turbine using a variety of rescue systems. Written and practical tests are administered to ensure that the principles presented in the course are understood. Documentation is available to satisfy your company’s due diligence and regulatory requirements.
This course meets the Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training (ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2001), the highest industry standard for training. It also meets the Competent Person re-training requirements outlined in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program, found in the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code (Section 3.3.4.5).
Note: In order to satisfy the ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007 requirement for Competent Rescuers (Section 3.3.5.5), workers must have documented wind turbine rescue training annually.
Gravitec can supply all necessary fall protection equipment for this course.
No cameras, camcorders, cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants or similar devices will be permitted during training.
Prerequisites
Competent Wind Turbine Climber and Rescue training from Gravitec no longer than two years prior to enrollment.
Trainers must sign a training license agreement with Gravitec.
Course Duration
2.5 days (20 Hours)
The length of this course can be adjusted based on the amount of fall protection equipment used in the student's workplace.
Class Size
Minimum 8, Maximum 10 (1 Instructor); Minimum 14, Maximum 18 (2 Instructors)Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of using a planned approach to climbing and rescue using state-of-the art techniques and equipment. Students will be fluent in the majority of commercially available fall protection systems and fall protection and rescue equipment and have the ability to identify job-site fall hazards. They will be capable of creating, selecting and executing the safest, most appropriate fall protection and rescue techniques for workers at height. They will also possess the knowledge and skills to implement all components of three distinct standard wind turbine rescue plans, including strategies for protecting rescuers and methods for anchoring and lowering. Students will understand and be able to use group problem-solving and leadership techniques to plan and implement these rescues. Depending on where the course is taught, students will have the opportunity to create and implement rescue techniques that are best suited for that particular site.
Students will have advanced knowledge of the following:
- Fundamental Theories and Principles of Fall Protection
- Standards and Regulations Affecting the Wind Energy Industry
- Donning a Full Body Harness
- Fall Protection Hardware Compatibility
- Function and Purpose of Energy Absorbers
- Anchorage Points: Certified and Non-Certified
- Connecting Means: New Standards and Designs
- Energy Absorbing Lanyards
- Commercially Available Fall Arrest Systems
- Self-Retracting Lifelines
- Vertical Lifelines
- Horizontal Lifelines
- Ladder Safety Systems
- Suspended Work Positioning Systems
- Selecting and Installing Fall Protection Systems
- Rope and Knots
- Calculating Clearance Requirements
- Rescue System Components
- Pre-Climb Checklists and Rescue Plans
- Rescue System Selection
- Anchor Selection and Anchoring the Rescue System
- Four Basic Functions of a Rescue System
- Turbine Evacuation Using Site-Specific Systems
- Assisted Rescues Using Site-Specific Systems over the Side of the Nacelle
- Rescue Problem Solving
- Belaying
- Equipment Inspection
Resource Materials
Students will receive a plastic wallet certificate of completion, Gravitec’s Wind Turbine Climber & Rescue Manual and access to our toll-free number for ongoing technical assistance.Course Credits
2.0 Continuing Education Units, accredited through the International Association for Continued Education and Training (IACET), are awarded upon completion of this course.
